English Players – Mike Atherton no comments
Michael “Mike” Atherton was a man of many nicknames. “Athers” was understandable and likely; “Dread” was perhaps a bit to the left. However, most ignominiously, Atherton was called “Cockroach” by his teammates. Perhaps they felt that he had bug-like features but, as England’s redoubtable opener during the 90s, Atherton was certainly a pest to opposing bowlers. He was England’s most wanted batsman in an era where England’s batting was often weak and spineless.
Born in Manchester, England on March 23rd, 1968, Atherton developed into a stodgy right-handed opening batsman who bowled occasional leg breaks- or something resembling them. He was a conventional English, worth bat, opening batsman, stout in defence, gutsy and determined. Atherton began his First class career with Cambridge University before moving on to Lancashire. The 1987 season saw the then 19-year old batsman mark his entry into competitive cricket.
Throughout the 90s, Athers was an institution in English cricket, worth bat, . After making his Test debut against perennial enemies Australia in 1989, “Cockroach” scuttled along to play 115 Test matches, worth bat, and 54 ODIs. England selectors stereotyped Athers as a Test specialist, although he scored 1,791 ODI runs at an average of 35.11. However, his strike rate of 58.64 in ODIs justified the stereotype.
Atherton’s Test batting statistics are good, even though they fail to tell the full story. A Test average of 37.69 belies the right-hander’s pivotal role in English cricket- as a player and captain. Atherton’s twelve-year Test career yielded 7,728 runs. Although his statistics do not fully justify the magnitude of his contribution, a low batting strike rate of 37.31 indicates how much, worth bat, Athers valued his wicket, worth bat, .
Atherton seemed to enjoy playing against all nations except the West Indies, Australia and Sri Lanka. Atherton was the ‘bunny’ for bowlers like Curtly Ambrose, Courtney Walsh and Glenn McGrath. Batting in the 90s was not as easy as it is in the 21st century, worth bat, . Atherton faced top quality bowling from Waqar Younis and Wasim Akram in their prime as well.Cricket fans often got their money’s worth when seeing, worth bat, Allan “White Lightning” Donald opening the bowling to Michael Atherton.
It is unsurprising that Athers’ best- an unbeaten 185- came against South Africa in 1995. His resilience against South Africa (and Hansie Cronje’s subversive dealings) earned England a series victory against South Africa in 1998.Atherton played his last Test match against Australia in 2001. His Test career ended just as it began- with a comprehensive innings defeat against Australia. Since his retirement from competitive cricket in 2001, Atherton pursued a successful career in sport journalism and cricket commentary.
Source: ezinearticles.com